Sleep quality on trips affects everything — energy, mood, decision-making, enjoyment. Unfamiliar rooms have unfamiliar sounds and light patterns. Earplugs and sleep masks weigh almost nothing and dramatically improve travel sleep. Most travellers don't pack them and pay for it.
What works
Foam earplugs (Mack's, Howard Leight) — cheap, comfortable, replaceable. Loop earplugs — reusable, designed for sleep, slightly better fit. Silk sleep mask — soft, breathable, complete darkness. Spare sets of both in case one is lost.
Where they help most
Hotels with thin walls or street noise. Long-haul flights. Sleeper trains. Hostels (private rooms still have hallway noise). Camping or outdoor accommodation. Time-zone-adjusted naps where blackout matters.
Pack both on every trip. Cost £5-25 total; benefit substantial across years of travel.